Family Day Trip: Anaheim to San Clemente

San Clemente Beach

We all know the fun and freedom of driving down to the beach and reaching the sand. We also know that this enjoyment often comes with the price of traffic, searching and paying for parking spots and a car full of leftover beach sand at the end of the day.

Fortunately, OC has a variety of transportation options that make getting to the beach easier and more enjoyable for your family.
Anaheim to San Clemente via OCTA

San Clemente is one of Southern California’s most accessible beaches thanks to the Amtrak station that sits literally right on the sand. Families can take the Metrolink train from ARTIC (Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center) in Anaheim to San Clemente for just $10 using OCTA’s new day pass. This is a really awesome deal considering the price of gas these days. Metrolink’s Weekend Day Pass gives you unlimited rides both Saturdays and Sundays and the pass is valid system-wide. Tickets can be purchased at all Metrolink station ticket vending machines that have weekend service.

ARTIC

ARTIC 

ARTIC is Anaheim’s newest transportation hub that provides Southern California residents with the ultimate experience in transit, dining, retail and entertainment at an affordable price. Relying on ARTIC can save you money on parking fees and gas, avoid crowded parking lots, and help you enjoy your family day by creating a worry free environment.

Ticket booths for Amtrak and Metrolink are located on the first floor. The interior of ARTIC is very reminiscent of an airport with large LCD screens of schedules. The second floor hosts a food court so you can grab a bite before you depart. Also, there is a library rental machine so if you have a library card from the city of Anaheim, you can rent (and return) the latest bestseller.

The relaxing ride from Anaheim to San Clemente on Metrolink is approximately 50 minutes with only two very brief stops: One in Irvine and another in Santa Ana. Once you arrive in San Clemente you will be dropped off directly in front of the pier where gorgeous views and fresh air await you.

Things to do in San Clemente

There are plenty of activities to keep families busy in San Clemente. Low-key beachgoers love this city due to the mild climate, excellent surf and family-friendly amenities. There are affordably priced accommodations near the waterfront, plenty of restaurants, hiking trails, casual shopping options and the tourist information office is across from the beach. Here are some suggestions for things to do when you arrive:

Fisherman's Restaurant 

• When you exit the train head straight to Fisherman's Restaurant. It is one of the best restaurants on the San Clemente Pier and they offer a great kids menu. Enjoy a delicious bowl of Clam chowder and sip on a cocktail while you take in a stunning view of the ocean.
• Get active! The 2.3-mile San Clemente Beach Trail is a great place to walk, jog, or ride a bike as it stretches from North Beach above the pier down to San Clemente State Beach Park. Bicycles San Clemente rents cruisers, road bikes, electric bikes, kids bikes and elliptigos.
• Surf/bodyboard - There are shops across the street from the San Clemente pier that rent boogie boards and surfboards. T Patterson Surf Shop (949-366-2022) and Terry Senate Surfboards (949-361-1740) are closest to the pier, and less than 1 mile from the San Clemente Metrolink Station. Make sure you look at the signs on the beach because surfers have a designated area (near the pier) and boogie boarders and swimmers have another area.
• Take a private/group surf lesson. At JP's Surf Camp you can book private lessons and they'll provide the surf boards, wetsuit, and full surfing instruction (ocean awareness, proper stretching, surfing etiquette, and surfing instruction).You can walk between the pier area and North Beach on the new beach trail.
• Shop - Downtown San Clemente has a cute shopping area on Del Mar Boulevard. The street offers a pleasant mix of shops and restaurants amid casual Spanish-style architecture. A Great outdoor breakfast spot is at Cafe Calypso which is outside the old Hotel San Clemente. Selmas is a Great pizza spot, too.
• Go to the playground – just north of the pier beach is Linda Lane Park. Kids can climb, jump, slide, and play on a fun fish-themed playground park. This small park is a very short distance from Linda Lane Beach making it the perfect place to take kids to the beach. It's quieter and more kid-friendly than the busy pier area during the summer months.
• Take a garden tour at Casa Romantica cultural center and gardens.
• Visit the San Clemente Art Gallery located in the San Clemente Community Center at 100 Seville Avenue, San Clemente, California. The Gallery is open weekdays from noon to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission charge, the public is welcome.

Quick Tip:
It's OK to bring beach chairs, beach toys, beach umbrellas, towels, small pets in carriers, boogie boards, bicycles, fishing poles, ice chests, and strollers on the train but NO surfboards.